SSAA NSW

The NSW Shooter is published by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed are not necessarily those of SSAA (NSW) Inc. Advertising and contributions: Newsletter PO Box 1001 ST MARYS NSW 1790 or email nswshooter@nsw.ssaa.org.au Deadline: Attention Branch Secretaries/Publicity Officers, editorial deadline for the December 2014 issue of the NSW Shooter is Friday 28 November 2014. Cover: Photos from the 2014 Girls' Night In charity fundraiser hosted by SSAA NSW and the St Marys Indoor Shooting Centre in October to raise money for Cancer Council NSW Editor: Jay Pandya Graphic Designer: Craig Rogers Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 3 From Diana's Desk SSAA NSW and St Marys Indoor Shooting Centre (SMISC) held their first Girls' Night In fundraiser on Friday 17 October at the Centre and I am proud to say that it was a great success. The response we got was incredible with just over 100 ladies participating on the night. With their generosity along with donations from our SMISC and SSAA NSW Boards, we were able to raise $11,000 for Cancer Council NSW. You can read the full story on pages four and five. The feedback from the ladies who attended the Girls' Night In was incredibly positive for the shooting sports, SSAA NSW and the Centre. A big part of that was the fun, friendly and safe one-on-one instructions from our volunteer Range Officers. I want to thank each and every Range Officer for being such excellent ambassadors of our sport. According to our feedback survey, the ladies felt the $70 donation was good value for the night's 'try shooting' experience. What's more a large majority said they would consider taking up shooting as a sport while the rest wanted to know a bit more. This goes to show just how appealing and enjoyable our sport can be, you just have to try it first. To back this up, all respondents also said they now had a more positive perception of shooting sports. There were also a few comments and constructive feedback which we will definitely take on board for our next fundraiser. The fantastic response to our Girls' Night In shows how our sport can appeal to people from all backgrounds, interests and shooting experiences. The number of sporting shooters is undoubtedly growing as we see more members joining and renewing every month. Our SSAA NSW Branches and ranges are seeing more people enquire about getting involved in sport while the Safe Shooting Instructors are constantly conducting courses for people applying for their firearms licence. But what can you, our members, do to help continue this growth? The answer is to keep on doing what you're doing! Many of the sporting shooters and firearms owners I know are some of the most passionate people who love sharing their sport and enjoy it with family and friends. As more people show interest, I encourage members and all sporting shooters to invite them along to the range to have a go. And of course, SSAA NSW staff are always happy to help and answer any questions about obtaining a firearms licence and getting involved in this great sport. Our Branches are doing their part through 'Try Shooting Days'. Most recently, SSAA NSW Branches in Goulburn and Forbes held 'Try Shooting Days' which were big successes. There was a strong turnout at both Branches with many people trying shooting for the first time. Participants left with a memorable experience and a deeper respect for the sport along with an interest in obtaining a firearms licence. Congratulations to all our Branches and their volunteers whose planning and hard work on the day make 'Try Shooting Days' possible. With 2015 just around the corner, I encourage Branches to look at holding their own 'Try Shooting Days' in the new year. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc. Like our Facebook page and keep up with the latest: www.facebook.com/ssaansw

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